03237, Gilmanton, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03237, Gilmanton, New Hampshire is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.42 percent of residents in 03237 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Concord Hospital- Laconia with a distance of 7.97 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Gilmanton, NH (ZIP Code 03237)

The crisp air of Gilmanton, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03237) offers a respite from the city, a haven of rolling hills and tranquil lakes. But for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the idyllic scenery masks a crucial reality: **healthcare access** can be a significant challenge. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" analysis for Gilmanton residents, focusing on the complexities of **transportation** and its impact on timely diagnosis and treatment. Considering **moving to Gilmanton**? Understanding these logistics is paramount.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, isn't a numerical value but a comprehensive assessment of the obstacles and opportunities related to accessing lung cancer care. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services. The score is a framework for understanding the challenges of navigating the healthcare system in this rural area.

Gilmanton, a town of approximately 3,800 residents, is nestled in Belknap County. Its location, while beautiful, presents inherent difficulties in **transportation**. The nearest major medical centers, equipped with comprehensive oncology services, are located in Concord, Manchester, and Lebanon, all requiring significant travel.

The primary routes out of Gilmanton are State Route 107 and State Route 140. These roads, while scenic, are primarily two-lane affairs, susceptible to traffic delays, especially during peak hours and inclement weather. Reaching Concord, home to Concord Hospital, involves a drive of approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Gilmanton. The journey typically involves taking Route 107 south to Route 93, a major interstate.

Manchester, home to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester, a regional cancer center, is a more considerable undertaking. The drive, primarily via Route 107 south to Route 93 south, can take upwards of 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic congestion. This is a substantial time commitment, particularly for individuals experiencing fatigue or other symptoms associated with lung cancer.

Lebanon, where Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is located, requires a drive of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. This journey involves navigating a combination of Route 107, Route 93, and potentially Route 89. This extended travel time presents a significant barrier to accessing specialized care and follow-up appointments.

Public **transportation** options in Gilmanton are extremely limited. The closest public bus service is provided by the Concord Area Transit (CAT), but their routes do not extend into Gilmanton. This absence of public transit significantly disadvantages individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to their condition or other limitations.

The lack of public transit underscores the reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport. The absence of readily available public **transportation** also impacts the availability of caregivers, who may find it difficult to visit patients or accompany them to appointments. This impacts the overall support system.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. While these services can provide a degree of flexibility, their cost can be a considerable burden for patients facing significant medical expenses. The accessibility of these services is also dependent on the availability of drivers in the region.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals with medical needs. Companies such as AMR (American Medical Response) and LifeCare Ambulance provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require advance booking and can be expensive, particularly for frequent appointments. The availability of these services can also be limited, especially during peak demand.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Gilmanton, therefore, reflects the challenges of accessing timely and convenient healthcare. The extended drive times to major medical centers, the absence of public transit, and the reliance on potentially unreliable and costly ride-sharing or medical transport services all contribute to a lower score. This score isn't a definitive number, but rather a reflection of the complexities faced by residents.

For individuals considering **moving to Gilmanton**, understanding these **transportation** challenges is crucial. While the town offers a tranquil lifestyle, the distance to specialized medical care must be carefully considered. It's essential to factor in the potential costs of travel, the impact on appointment scheduling, and the availability of support systems.

The importance of proactive planning cannot be overstated. Individuals diagnosed with or at risk of lung cancer should establish a clear plan for accessing healthcare, including identifying reliable **transportation** options, understanding insurance coverage for medical transport, and exploring support services.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Telemedicine, for example, offers a promising avenue for expanding **healthcare access**, particularly in rural areas. While telemedicine cannot replace in-person appointments, it can facilitate consultations, follow-up care, and medication management, reducing the need for frequent travel.

Community resources, such as local senior centers and volunteer organizations, may offer assistance with **transportation** or provide support services for patients and their families. Exploring these resources can help mitigate the challenges of accessing healthcare in a rural setting.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Gilmanton highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to addressing healthcare disparities. This includes improving **transportation** infrastructure, expanding access to telemedicine, and strengthening community support networks. While the beauty of Gilmanton is undeniable, the realities of **healthcare access** must be acknowledged and addressed to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve. The journey to wellness should not be hindered by the distance.